In this riveting sequel to Martin Walker’s internationally acclaimed
novel Bruno, Chief of Police, some of France’s great pleasures—wine,
passion and intrigue—converge in a dark chain of events that threaten the
peaceful village of Saint-Denis.

Benoît (Bruno) Courrèges—devoted friend, cuisinier extraordinaire,
and the town’s only municipal policeman—rushes to the scene when a research
station for genetically modified crops is burned down outside Saint-Denis.
Bruno immediately suspects a group of fervent environmentalists who live
nearby, but the fire is only the first in a string of mysteries centering on
the region’s fertile soil.

Then a bevy of
winemakers descends on Saint-Denis, competing for its land and spurring
resentment among the villagers. Romances blossom. Hearts are broken. Some of
the sensual pleasures of the town—a dinner of a truffle omelette and grilled bécasses,
a community grape-crushing—provide an opportunity for both warm friendship and
bitter hostilities to form. The town’s rivals—Max, an environmentalist who
hopes to make organic wine; Jacqueline, a flirtatious, newly arrived Québécoise;
and Fernando, the heir to an American wine fortune—act increasingly erratic.
Events grow ever darker, culminating in two suspicious deaths, and Bruno finds
that the problems of the present are never far from those of the past.

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Quotes & Awards

“A gentle reminder to slow down and smell the grapes...[Walker] beguiles the reader.”

New York Times Book Review

“Captivating...sure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm.”

Wall Street Journal

“Walker evokes his French community’s celebrations of wine, food, love, and friendship with obvious affection but without sentimentality. His villagers are no more immune from modern times than the rest of us—they just drink better wine.”

Publishers Weekly

“Romance, intrigue, and many a fine glass of wine await in Walker’s charming second mystery set in idyllic Saint-Denis, in the southwest of France...Walker serves up wry wit, suspense, and a host of captivating characters, from a comely, manipulative Québécoise to an auburn-haired Brit who captures Bruno’s heart. Oenophiles and armchair travelers alike will enjoy spending time in this lovely, lively part of France.”

Booklist (starred review)

Listener Opinions

by Caroline Ingvaldsen | 2/18/2014

" Enjoyable second entry in series featuring Bruno, the Maigret of the Dordogne: atmosphere, characterization and setting combine for a superlative if rather cozy mystery. "

by Louise | 2/12/2014

" French ambiance, wine lore "

by Michael Polad | 2/9/2014

" An excellent mystery steeped in details of life in a small French village. Highly recommended. "

by Sarah Key | 2/9/2014

" An okay storyline and easy to read. I didn't care for the main character, and I just felt like I had random character names thrown at me constantly. It was hard to keep up with the characters and know which ones were going to be important keystones to the novel and which ones weren't. "

" Another charming installment in the Bruno, Chief of Police Series. Onto number three! "

Correen | 2/5/2014

" The pleasures of life in the Dordogne, Walker provides a glimpse of a gentle, traditional, idealized French countryside. This novel has two murders, arson, industrial espionage, violence, etc., but all is settled with hard work but a minimum of fuss. It is a sweet escape. "

Carey Combe | 2/1/2014

" I don't think I will try another one... "

Julie | 1/20/2014

" This is the second in the Bruno, chief of police, series and it just keeps getting better! Can't wait to read the next book! "

Maureen | 1/20/2014

" I'm loving this series as I continue to read it. "

Meg | 1/1/2014

" In France, small town, local characters, lotsa wine and descriptions of scenery, with a plot that kept me guessing. "

Heather | 12/30/2013

" A murder mystery set in French wine country was entertaining and renewed my desire to visit France! I really liked the long-suffering small town cop with the heart of gold who plods along tracking the killer. quite delightfult. "

Kevin | 12/28/2013

" I love this series. Am always disappointed when I finish. I wish there were more! "

Sue | 11/27/2013

" I love this series, the man, the scenery, food, wine. Want to go there and met Bruno! "

" Love this book too. Read all 4 of these Martin Walker books right after each other. Couldn't put them down and would read another if there was one. Good stories and great characters. "

James | 1/24/2013

" Easy to read police story set in rural France. Very enjoyable, nice pace, and explores both the rural community and bigger issues. I love France so even better. Good summer reading. "

Chris | 11/19/2012

" Solid crime novel with interesting setting. Enjoyed it. "

Jan | 6/26/2012

" the food and wine of the Perigord interrupted from time to time by suspicious deaths and a family feud. Unusually the detective hero seems quite well balanced and rarely introspective. A good holiday read with a strong sense of place. "

Deale Hutton | 6/22/2012

" Another great read from Martin Walker. On to the next one.... "

Patrick | 5/8/2012

" Another very enjoyable escape in this series. These books combine a sweet depiction of small-town France with contemporary themes that anchor stories in reality. "

Clare | 5/24/2011

" Good local colour - less good story I felt. "

Sharon | 4/18/2011

" Compares nicely to Donna Leon's Brunetti in Italy. This all takes place in France. "

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